West Worcestershire MP Harriett Baldwin has repeated her call for insurance companies to continue to offer universal flood insurance cover. The MP called on the insurance companies to conclude a deal with the Government to guarantee cover as soon as possible. After years of serious flooding, the Insurance industry and the Government reached an agreement which ensured that companies would offer cover to every home, while Government continued to invest in flood defences. That deal expires next year and many flood-affected home-owners are anxiously waiting to hear the progress of these negotiations. Harriett commented: “Across the country we have spent millions of pounds building permanent flood defences and reducing the exposure of insurance companies. “As part of that deal, which expires in July 2013, the insurers promised to offer cover for flood affected homes. “It is essential that a new deal is reached for those people who are currently renewing their insurance and are worried that they won’t be able to get cover next year.” Harriett also urged the insurers to work with the Environment Agency to update their flood risk maps and take new flood defences into account. She added: “Six new defence schemes have now been completed in West Worcestershire since the last flood in 2007 protecting hundreds of homes and businesses. It is important that the insurers reflect this in their premiums. “As it takes time for databases to be updated, I would also advise homeowners to get a letter from the EA confirming that their property is protected which they can share with insurers. “I would hope that insurance companies reflect the new work and update their databases to provide fairer quotes for premiums and excesses.”